By Amadou Manjang
The Reparations Commission has held a meeting with the Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO) to explore avenues of partnership in the implementation of the Reparations Act.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairperson of the Commission stated that the gathering was a courtesy visit to TANGO aimed at fostering collaboration. He emphasised that reparations extend beyond financial compensation, encompassing psychosocial support and other forms of healing.
He acknowledged the high expectations from victims and pledged that the Commission would work to manage these expectations amid limited resources.
“This Commission is a reflection of the government’s commitment to reparative justice for victims,” he said, adding that he is a victim of the brutalities under former President Yahya Jammeh.
He reassured victims that available resources will be distributed fairly and equitably. He further explained that the reparation funds would be separated from administrative funds such as staff salaries, to enhance transparency.
The Chairperson disclosed that the Commission is still in its formative stage. It has not yet moved into its office, opened an official bank account, or established a fully functional secretariat.
“The important milestone for now is the establishment of the Commission,” he said.
He added that the Commission will eventually operate through a secretariat, and recruitment for the position of Executive Secretary is currently underway.
Madam Isatou Ndong, Vice Chairperson of the Commission, noted that their work is still in the early stages. She said once the secretariat is operational, the Commission will begin full implementation of its mandate.
She appealed to civil society organisations to collaborate closely with the Commission to ensure effective reparations for victims.
Commissioner Isatou Jammeh reiterated the need to manage the expectations of victims and stressed the importance of grassroots engagement.
“We cannot do it alone,” she said.
Ndey Sireng Bakurin, Executive Director of TANGO, commended the government’s efforts in establishing the Reparations Commission. She urged the Commission to coordinate closely with other institutions and commissions to avoid duplication of efforts.
She also advised the Commission to simplify and popularize the Reparations Act, including translating it into local languages to enhance public understanding of its mandate, functions, and areas of intervention.
Bakurin emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable victims and called for civil society organisations to be prioritized in the Commission’s five-year strategy. “CSOs must play a key role to ensure that victims receive the support they need,” she added.
Both the Reparations Commission and TANGO expressed their willingness to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize their collaboration in the reparations process.
